Has there ever been a time when you have felt the pressure to be perfect? Our class discussed the physical and mental feeling that pressure can have. Whether you are performing at a talent show, trying to score in an important game, participating in public speaking, or writing a challenging test, we all feel pressure sometimes.
Many Olympians are under intense amounts of pressure. Figure skating champion Gracie Gold discussed how her mental health and body image were impacted by the intense pressure she felt during the Olympics. In an interview with Jonathan Van Ness, she discussed how she wanted to look perfect, nail her routine perfectly, and represent her team perfectly. However, too much pressure can be unhealthy for our brains and bodies! Gracie had to take a step back from her Olympic dreams to heal and recover, and is now an advocate who speak out against the effects that too much pressure can have on people!
What are some things you can do if you feel like the pressure is too much? What strategies work for you? Ms. Ward likes to deal with pressure by taking a walk to the dog park or calling a friend to chat.
To see some of the most high pressure (and successful) moments from figure skating, watch the video below: